RISHAD TOBACCOWALA

CHAIRMANDigitasLBi and Razorfish

Rishad Tobaccowala is chair of DigitasLBi and Razorfish, two leading, global digital marketing and business transformation networks that are part of the Publicis Groupe – the world’s third largest communications group.

In this role, Tobaccowala provides strategic guidance and other counsel to the leadership of DigitasLBi and Razorfish, while also working closely with VivaKi CEO Frank Voris to activate technology and build digital products and partnerships for Publicis Groupe through cross-agency collaboration.

Tobaccowala continues to remain close to incubation and innovation efforts within the organization, including identifying and sourcing tech companies and start-ups that will determine the next generation of solutions for Publicis Groupe.

Over his 31-year career Tobaccowala has worked across almost every area of marketing including brand advertising, media, database, direct and interactive marketing. As a pioneer in digital marketing, Tobaccowala helped create one of the first interactive groups and digital agencies 20 years ago and has helped launch a series of initiatives over the years from groups focused on gaming, social, mobile and search engine marketing. Starcom IP, Play, Giant Step, SMG Search and Denuo are some of the brands Tobaccowala helped incubate.

Tobaccowala was named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders for his pioneering innovation and TIME magazine dubbed him one of five “Marketing Innovators.

Rishad is also is chairman of The Tobaccowala Foundation, which helps over 10,000 people gain better access to health and education in India.